Pachamama

Original Inca stonework at Cuzco, Peru.
Click on image for full size (106K JPEG)
Image courtesy of Corel Corporation.

Incas of ancient Peru believed that Pachamama personified the Earth. Incas ruled Peru from about 1450 until 1532 when Spaniards conquered their territories. Pachamama and her husband Inti, the Sun god, were viewed as generous deities.

Incas used to offer llamas and other animals as sacrifices to the Earth goddess. According to an ancient legend, the first Incas had sacrificed a llama before entering their capital Cuzco. They entered the city with the lungs of the llama and the golden wedge that symbolize the Sun god Inti.

Pachamama continues to be worshipped today in Peru, where she has also been identified with the Virgin Mary by Indian Christians.

Last modified prior to September, 2000 by the Windows Team

The source of this material is Windows to the Universe, at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/ at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). © The Regents of the University of Michigan. Windows to the Universe® is a registered trademark of UCAR. All Rights Reserved. Site policies and disclaimer

Pachamama

Original Inca stonework at Cuzco, Peru. Click on image for full size (106K JPEG) Image courtesy of Corel Corporation.

Original Inca stonework at Cuzco, Peru.
Click on image for full size (106K JPEG)
Image courtesy of Corel Corporation.